(Associate) Director, Ophthalmology

The Opportunity

The heart of insitro's strategy is to combine genetic and health information from large numbers of humans with biological information obtained in vitro to overcome key bottlenecks in the drug discovery process. To accomplish this, we are using cutting edge methods in machine learning linked to the systematic discovery of novel therapeutic molecules. We are putting together an incredible team of highly talented translational scientists who want to make a difference to some of society's most pressing medical needs. As Associate Director/Director, Ophthalmology, you will help build and expand the company's portfolio in ophthalmology. You will help set the therapeutic area strategy, oversee the execution of early drug discovery programs and lead key strategic partnerships (e.g. with INSIGHT at Moorfields Eye Hospital).

Responsibilities

• Contribute to insitro's strategy in ophthalmology as part of the Neuroscience/Ophthalmology therapeutic area leadership
• Lead a cross-functional team to execute on concrete ophthalmology drug discovery programs through all preclinical stages from target nomination up until IND
• Partner with data and biologists to generate crisp therapeutic hypotheses from newly discovered ophthalmology targets and biomarkers, deconvolute biology, and help stratify patients with the goal of producing viable therapeutic interventions
• Participate in and lead ophthalmology external collaborations; manage CROs.

You will be joining a biotech startup with significant funding and its first assets readying for transition to the clinics. A lot may happen during this exciting phase, providing many opportunities for significant impact. You will work closely with a very talented team, learn a broad range of skills, and help shape insitro's culture, strategic direction, and outcomes. We value a highly collaborative working style centered on effective communication to drive results at a rapid pace. You will report to the Vice President, Neuroscience (Genetics) and are expected to work onsite (full-time or hybrid) at our office in South San Francisco, CA.

About You

• PhD or MD/PhD in a biomedical field (Ophthalmology, Neuroscience, Genetics, etc.) with 8+ years of industry experience in drug discovery, incl. 4+ years as a cross-functional project team leader in an industry setting
• Strong scientific subject matter expertise in retinal diseases and/or related ophthalmologic or neurodegenerative disorders
• A strong track record of leading and participating in cross-functional ophthalmology drug discovery projects, ideally in more than one eye indication
• Familiarity with all stages of preclinical ophthalmology drug discovery incl. lead optimization, CMC, and IND enabling toxicity studies; familiarity with non-interventional biomarker and natural history studies is a plus
• Experience leading a high-performance team, including goal setting, and contributing to a culture of effective, high-quality methods development, including their practical implementation
• Capable of communicating effectively and collaborate with people of diverse backgrounds and job functions, including a track record of collaborating with life scientists
• Experience in translating insights from large scale human cohort data into drug discovery programs and/or working with retinal imaging data are a plus
• Passion for making a difference in the world!

Compensation & Benefits at insitro

Our target starting salary for successful US-based applicants for this role is $175,000.00 - $235,000.00. To determine starting pay, we consider multiple job-related factors including a candidate's skills, education and experience, market demand, business needs, and internal parity. We may also adjust this range in the future based on market data.

This role is eligible for participation in our Annual Performance Bonus Plan (based on company targets by role level and annual company performance) and our Equity Incentive Plan, subject to the terms of those plans and associated policies.

In addition, insitro also provides our employees:

• 401(k) plan with employer matching for contributions
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage as well as mental health and well-being support
• Open, flexible vacation policy
• Paid parental leave of at least 16 weeks to support parents who give birth, and 10 weeks for a new parent (inclusive of birth, adoption, fostering, etc)
• Quarterly budget for books and online courses for self-development
• Support to attend professional conferences that are meaningful to your career growth and role's responsibilities
• New hire stipend for home office setup
• Monthly cell phone & internet stipend
• Access to free onsite baristas and cafe with daily lunch and breakfast for employees who are either onsite or hybrid
• Access to free onsite fitness center for employees who are either onsite or hybrid
• Access to a free commuter bus and ferry network that provides transport to and from our South San Francisco HQ from locations all around the Bay Area

insitro is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion need to be at the foundation of our culture. We work hard to bring together diverse teams–grounded in a wide range of expertise and life experiences–and work even harder to ensure those teams thrive in inclusive, growth-oriented environments supported by equitable company and team practices. All candidates can expect equitable treatment, respect, and fairness throughout the interview process.

 

Please be aware of recruitment scams: we never request payments, all recruitment communications are from @insitro.com, and if in doubt, contact us at info@insitro.com.

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About insitro   insitro is a drug discovery and development company using machine learning (ML) and data at scale to decode biology for transformative medicines. At the core of insitro’s approach is the convergence of in-house generated multi-modal cellular data and high-content phenotypic human cohort data. We rely on these data to develop ML-driven, predictive disease models that uncover underlying biologic state and elucidate critical drivers of disease. These powerful models rely on extensive biological and computational infrastructure and allow insitro to advance novel targets and patient biomarkers, design therapeutics and inform clinical strategy. insitro is advancing a wholly owned and partnered pipeline of insights and therapeutics in neuroscience, oncology and metabolism. Since launching in 2018, insitro has raised over $700 million from top tech, biotech and crossover investors, and from collaborations with pharmaceutical partners. For more information on insitro, please visit www.insitro.com.